[1 Pet. 5:1] The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of HaMashiach, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
The idea of the elder came into church life from Jewish culture (Exodus 3:16, 12:21, 19:7). The word "elder" simply speaks of the maturity and wisdom that an older person should have, making them qualified for leadership. One could not even become an elder until they were at least 30 years old with the experiences life has taught. In its application, it is more about wisdom and maturity than age.
It was the practice of Paul and Barnabas to appoint elders in the churches they had founded (Acts 14:23). There was also the development of the office of pastor, who was essentially a teaching elder (1 Timothy 5:17) who appointed and guided elders and other leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-13, 2 Timothy 2:2, Titus 1:5-9).
Those whose office it is to teach others ought carefully to study their own duty, as well as teach the people theirs.
Peter is qualified to speak because he is a fellow elder. Though Peter was clearly the prominent disciple among the twelve, he claims no special privilege or position.
Peter saw both suffering and glory in the life of Y’Shua, he can speak with the authority of an eyewitness. His higher dignity as an apostle is herein delicately implied, as eye witnessing was a necessary qualification for apostleship: compare Peter's own speeches, Acts 1:21, 22; 2:32; 10:39. That is why the Hebrews did not accept Paul as an apostle of the Messiah, so Paul went to the Gentiles.
And elder is to feed the flock promptly and heartily, without selfish motive of gain seeking, as the Israelites gave their services willing-heartedly to the sanctuary. It is important for shepherds - pastors - to realize that they lead Y’Shua' sheep. He is the Shepherd, He is the Overseer, the shepherd doesn't work for the sheep, and he works for the Chief Shepherd.
We are proud of our humility, vain of our meekness; and, putting on the saintliest look; we wonder whether all around are not admiring us for our lowliness. True humility is shown by our ability to cast our care upon G-d. It is proud presumption to take things into our own worry and care about things that G-d has promised to take care of (Matthew 5:31-34).
Called 'Christian'
[1 Peter 4:16] Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, …
Christian was the name given in contempt first at Antioch. Acts 11:26; 26:28; the only three places where the term occurs. At first believers had no distinctive name, but were called among themselves "brethren," Acts 6:3; "disciples," Acts 6:1; "those of the way," Acts 9:2; "saints," Ro mans 1:7; by the Jews (who denied that Y’Shua was the Messiah, and so would never invent the name Christian), in contempt, "Nazarenes." At Antioch, where first idolatrous Gentiles (Cornelius, Acts 10:1, 2, was not an idolater, but a proselyte) were converted, and wide missionary work began, they could be no longer looked on as a Jewish sect, and so the Gentiles designated them by the new name "Christians." The rise of the new name marked a new era in the Church's life, a new stage of its development, namely, its missions to the Gentiles. The idle and witty people of Antioch, we know from heathen writers, were famous for inventing nicknames. The date of this Epistle must have been when this had become the generally recognized designation among Gentiles (it is never applied by Christians to each other, as it was in after ages.--an undersigned proof that the New Testament was composed when it professes). When the name exposed one to reproach and suffering, though not seemingly as yet to systematic persecution.
Christian was the name given in contempt first at Antioch. Acts 11:26; 26:28; the only three places where the term occurs. At first believers had no distinctive name, but were called among themselves "brethren," Acts 6:3; "disciples," Acts 6:1; "those of the way," Acts 9:2; "saints," Ro mans 1:7; by the Jews (who denied that Y’Shua was the Messiah, and so would never invent the name Christian), in contempt, "Nazarenes." At Antioch, where first idolatrous Gentiles (Cornelius, Acts 10:1, 2, was not an idolater, but a proselyte) were converted, and wide missionary work began, they could be no longer looked on as a Jewish sect, and so the Gentiles designated them by the new name "Christians." The rise of the new name marked a new era in the Church's life, a new stage of its development, namely, its missions to the Gentiles. The idle and witty people of Antioch, we know from heathen writers, were famous for inventing nicknames. The date of this Epistle must have been when this had become the generally recognized designation among Gentiles (it is never applied by Christians to each other, as it was in after ages.--an undersigned proof that the New Testament was composed when it professes). When the name exposed one to reproach and suffering, though not seemingly as yet to systematic persecution.
Suffering With Patients
[1 Peter 4:1] Forasmuch then as HaMashiach hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
In the last days, Believers should have an attitude of commitment. We must bear our trials, notwithstanding our persecutions, following the example of our Savior. Peter would have us pure and harmless, patient and submissive, faithful in the performance of our duties, and confidently looking forward to the time when we should be delivered.
Having the same mind of suffering with patient willingness what G-d wills us to suffer. Y’Shua communicated the same idea when He told us that anyone who would come after Him must take up his cross and follow (Matthew 16:24). Taking up the cross-meant that you were committed and not looking back!
Arm yourself with the same mind: Many of us are defeated in our battle against sin because we refuse to sacrifice anything in the battle. We only want victory if it comes easily to us. Y’Shua called us to have the kind of attitude that would sacrifice in the battle against sin (Matthew 5:29-30).
G-d calls us to have is nothing isn't greater than the commitment Y’Shua had in enduring suffering for our salvation. In the last days, we need to have a commitment to G-d that will endure through great struggles.
Having a readiness to suffer in the cause of religion, a readiness to die as He had done this readiness to suffer and die, the apostle speaks of as amour, and having this is represented as being armed. Amour is put on for offensive or defensive purposes in war; and the idea of the apostle here is, that that state of mind when we are ready to meet with persecution and trial. When we are ready to die, will answer the purpose of amour in engaging in the conflicts and strife’s which pertain to us as Believers, and especially in meeting with persecutions and trials. We are to put on the same fortitude which the Y’Shua had, and this will be the best defense against our foes, and the best security of victory.
When a person has suffered physical persecution for the sake of Y’Shua, it almost always profoundly changes their outlook regarding sin and the pursuit of the lusts of the flesh. He is more likely to live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of G-d.
Many Believers who believe that Y’Shua is coming soon are basing when on prophecy charts and political events; fail to watchful of measuring our readiness for His coming. It is a profound, and foolish, waste of time for Believers to live like the world, and we must simply stop being double-minded and start living as Believers.
As we serve one another, we do it with the strength G-d provides, the ability which G-d supplies - so that to Him belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.
In the last days, Believers should have an attitude of commitment. We must bear our trials, notwithstanding our persecutions, following the example of our Savior. Peter would have us pure and harmless, patient and submissive, faithful in the performance of our duties, and confidently looking forward to the time when we should be delivered.
Having the same mind of suffering with patient willingness what G-d wills us to suffer. Y’Shua communicated the same idea when He told us that anyone who would come after Him must take up his cross and follow (Matthew 16:24). Taking up the cross-meant that you were committed and not looking back!
Arm yourself with the same mind: Many of us are defeated in our battle against sin because we refuse to sacrifice anything in the battle. We only want victory if it comes easily to us. Y’Shua called us to have the kind of attitude that would sacrifice in the battle against sin (Matthew 5:29-30).
G-d calls us to have is nothing isn't greater than the commitment Y’Shua had in enduring suffering for our salvation. In the last days, we need to have a commitment to G-d that will endure through great struggles.
Having a readiness to suffer in the cause of religion, a readiness to die as He had done this readiness to suffer and die, the apostle speaks of as amour, and having this is represented as being armed. Amour is put on for offensive or defensive purposes in war; and the idea of the apostle here is, that that state of mind when we are ready to meet with persecution and trial. When we are ready to die, will answer the purpose of amour in engaging in the conflicts and strife’s which pertain to us as Believers, and especially in meeting with persecutions and trials. We are to put on the same fortitude which the Y’Shua had, and this will be the best defense against our foes, and the best security of victory.
When a person has suffered physical persecution for the sake of Y’Shua, it almost always profoundly changes their outlook regarding sin and the pursuit of the lusts of the flesh. He is more likely to live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of G-d.
Many Believers who believe that Y’Shua is coming soon are basing when on prophecy charts and political events; fail to watchful of measuring our readiness for His coming. It is a profound, and foolish, waste of time for Believers to live like the world, and we must simply stop being double-minded and start living as Believers.
As we serve one another, we do it with the strength G-d provides, the ability which G-d supplies - so that to Him belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever.
New Years Resolution
[Jer. 6:16] Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.
Let us observe the metaphor, a traveler is going to a particular city; he comes to a place where the road divides into several paths, he is afraid of going astray; he stops short,-endeavors to find out the right path: he cannot fix his choice. At last, he sees another traveler; he inquires of him, gets proper directions-proceeds on his journey-arrives at the desired place-and reposes after his fatigue.
The image from travelers’ who have lost their road, stopping and inquiring which is the right way on which they once had been, but from which they have wandered.
Old paths of idolatry and apostasy are the modern way. The worship of G-d is the old way. Evil is not coeval with good, but a modern decadence from good.
The soul needs rest; it can only find this by walking in the good way.
The good way is that which has been trodden by the Believers from the beginning: it is the old way, the way of faith and holiness. BELIEVE, LOVE, OBEY, be holy, and be happy. This is the way; let us inquire for it, and walk in it.
If one chooses another way, walked over the precipice, and fell into the bottomless pit, where, instead of rest, they find G-d answer:
[19] Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto My Words, nor to My Law, but rejected it.
I am not one to make New Year resolutions, but ran across this during my studies. It all comes down to the choices we make as to which path we choose to take.
Let us observe the metaphor, a traveler is going to a particular city; he comes to a place where the road divides into several paths, he is afraid of going astray; he stops short,-endeavors to find out the right path: he cannot fix his choice. At last, he sees another traveler; he inquires of him, gets proper directions-proceeds on his journey-arrives at the desired place-and reposes after his fatigue.
The image from travelers’ who have lost their road, stopping and inquiring which is the right way on which they once had been, but from which they have wandered.
Old paths of idolatry and apostasy are the modern way. The worship of G-d is the old way. Evil is not coeval with good, but a modern decadence from good.
The soul needs rest; it can only find this by walking in the good way.
The good way is that which has been trodden by the Believers from the beginning: it is the old way, the way of faith and holiness. BELIEVE, LOVE, OBEY, be holy, and be happy. This is the way; let us inquire for it, and walk in it.
If one chooses another way, walked over the precipice, and fell into the bottomless pit, where, instead of rest, they find G-d answer:
[19] Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto My Words, nor to My Law, but rejected it.
I am not one to make New Year resolutions, but ran across this during my studies. It all comes down to the choices we make as to which path we choose to take.
Lower Cholesterol
Day 1 menu
Breakfast
1 cup cooked oatmeal, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cinnamon and chopped walnuts
1 banana
1 cup skim milk
Lunch
1 cup low-fat (1 percent or lower) plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
1/2 cup peach halves
5 Melba toast crackers
1 cup raw broccoli and cauliflower
2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese, plain or vegetable flavor (as a spread for crackers or vegetable dip)
Sparkling water
Supper
Grilled turkey burger (4 ounces) with a whole-grain bun
1/2 cup green beans with toasted almonds
2 cups mixed salad greens
2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 cup skim milk
1 small orange
Snack
1 cup skim milk
9 animal crackers
Day 1 nutrient analysis
Calories 1,637
Protein 85 g
Carbohydrate 245 g
Total fat 43 g
Saturated fat 9 g
Monounsaturated fat 14 g
Cholesterol 101 mg
Sodium 1,545 mg
Fiber 30 g
Potassium 4,290 mg
Calcium 1,887 mg
Day 2 menu
Breakfast
2 whole-wheat pancakes, 4-inch diameter, topped with 3/4 cup blueberries
3/4 cup calcium-fortified orange juice
1 cup skim milk
Lunch
1 whole-wheat pita stuffed with 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup sliced tomato, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese and 1 tablespoon reduced-fat ranch dressing
1 kiwi
1 cup skim milk
Supper
Oriental chicken (5 ounces) with braised pineapple ring
1 cup brown rice with 1 tablespoon chopped dried apricots
1 cup steamed broccoli
4 ounces red wine or concord grape juice
Snack
3 graham cracker squares
1 cup fat-free frozen yogurt
Day 2 nutrient analysis
Calories 1,757
Protein 89 g
Carbohydrate 288 g
Total fat 22 g
Saturated fat 7 g
Monounsaturated fat 6 g
Cholesterol 119 mg
Sodium 1,966 mg
Fiber 29 g
Potassium 3,876 mg
Calcium 1,338 mg
On both days, if you're thirsty, drink water as a calorie-free way to supplement your diet.
Breakfast
1 cup cooked oatmeal, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon cinnamon and chopped walnuts
1 banana
1 cup skim milk
Lunch
1 cup low-fat (1 percent or lower) plain yogurt with 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed
1/2 cup peach halves
5 Melba toast crackers
1 cup raw broccoli and cauliflower
2 tablespoons low-fat cream cheese, plain or vegetable flavor (as a spread for crackers or vegetable dip)
Sparkling water
Supper
Grilled turkey burger (4 ounces) with a whole-grain bun
1/2 cup green beans with toasted almonds
2 cups mixed salad greens
2 tablespoons low-fat salad dressing
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 cup skim milk
1 small orange
Snack
1 cup skim milk
9 animal crackers
Day 1 nutrient analysis
Calories 1,637
Protein 85 g
Carbohydrate 245 g
Total fat 43 g
Saturated fat 9 g
Monounsaturated fat 14 g
Cholesterol 101 mg
Sodium 1,545 mg
Fiber 30 g
Potassium 4,290 mg
Calcium 1,887 mg
Day 2 menu
Breakfast
2 whole-wheat pancakes, 4-inch diameter, topped with 3/4 cup blueberries
3/4 cup calcium-fortified orange juice
1 cup skim milk
Lunch
1 whole-wheat pita stuffed with 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup sliced tomato, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese and 1 tablespoon reduced-fat ranch dressing
1 kiwi
1 cup skim milk
Supper
Oriental chicken (5 ounces) with braised pineapple ring
1 cup brown rice with 1 tablespoon chopped dried apricots
1 cup steamed broccoli
4 ounces red wine or concord grape juice
Snack
3 graham cracker squares
1 cup fat-free frozen yogurt
Day 2 nutrient analysis
Calories 1,757
Protein 89 g
Carbohydrate 288 g
Total fat 22 g
Saturated fat 7 g
Monounsaturated fat 6 g
Cholesterol 119 mg
Sodium 1,966 mg
Fiber 29 g
Potassium 3,876 mg
Calcium 1,338 mg
On both days, if you're thirsty, drink water as a calorie-free way to supplement your diet.
Individual Responsibility
RESPONSIBILITY calls for ACCOUNTABILITY. We must understand that without responsibility there is no accountability, and without accountability there can be no responsibility. These two concepts are inseparably tied together. One should not talk of responsibilities apart from accountability. There is no such thing!
Accountability suggests "a day of reckoning”. This is when one who has been entrusted with responsibilities must give an account to the authoritative source
(G-d). The scriptures call this THE JUDGMENT.
The New Testament is filled with this teaching. In the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30, Y’Shua taught the great lesson of stewardship. We are impressed with the fact that a man, before going into another country, called his servants together and distributed his goods. "And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. It becomes evident from the reading that this man expected his servants to do something with the talents rendered to them. "Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and makes a RECKONING with them”, (v. 19). Remember the one with only one talent, he buried it – sat on it and did nothing of what the master had given him to be responsible for.
The L-rd was pleased with those who performed adequately, but was angry at the slothful servant who had failed in his responsibility. The L-rd cast out the unprofitable servant!
It is obvious from this parable that our L-rd is teaching responsibility according to ability, coupled with the idea of accountability. He held these servants responsible for what had been entrusted to them, individually, relative to their ability.
All that we have whether it is a house, yard, car, or pets and people in our lives we are held accountable to do our very best with what was given us. If not it can be all taken away like the man with only one talent.
There was a day of reckoning when the master returned and called his servants to him. He demanded an accounting from each servant as to what was accomplished while he was in another country. This parable is not difficult to understand, and most Bible students agree that we have a case of individual responsibility here.
In a similar parable, the Parable of the Pounds, Y’Shua taught the same principles. Read Luke 19:11-27. Here, we see servants charged with responsibility, which led to accountability, terminating in reckoning. Again, there is no "church" responsibility or accountability, only individual.
Let’s not forget He also told them to be a wise as serpents, while being harmless as doves. And He told story after story of being wise stewards and of being held accountable for what we do with the things we are given. Paul writes in 1Timothy 5:8 that he who does not take care of his own household is worse than an unbeliever, or an infidel!
Matt. 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
G-d and mammon.
Here is another responsibility, we are to use G-d’s money wisely, Matt. 6:19-21 says. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Has money become your idol, do you lack trusting the Father to provide?
Are you taking good care of what the Father has given you?
It is never too late to change the patterns you have fell into and become good stewards.Or come along side of another and help them make life choices.
Accountability suggests "a day of reckoning”. This is when one who has been entrusted with responsibilities must give an account to the authoritative source
(G-d). The scriptures call this THE JUDGMENT.
The New Testament is filled with this teaching. In the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14-30, Y’Shua taught the great lesson of stewardship. We are impressed with the fact that a man, before going into another country, called his servants together and distributed his goods. "And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. It becomes evident from the reading that this man expected his servants to do something with the talents rendered to them. "Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and makes a RECKONING with them”, (v. 19). Remember the one with only one talent, he buried it – sat on it and did nothing of what the master had given him to be responsible for.
The L-rd was pleased with those who performed adequately, but was angry at the slothful servant who had failed in his responsibility. The L-rd cast out the unprofitable servant!
It is obvious from this parable that our L-rd is teaching responsibility according to ability, coupled with the idea of accountability. He held these servants responsible for what had been entrusted to them, individually, relative to their ability.
All that we have whether it is a house, yard, car, or pets and people in our lives we are held accountable to do our very best with what was given us. If not it can be all taken away like the man with only one talent.
There was a day of reckoning when the master returned and called his servants to him. He demanded an accounting from each servant as to what was accomplished while he was in another country. This parable is not difficult to understand, and most Bible students agree that we have a case of individual responsibility here.
In a similar parable, the Parable of the Pounds, Y’Shua taught the same principles. Read Luke 19:11-27. Here, we see servants charged with responsibility, which led to accountability, terminating in reckoning. Again, there is no "church" responsibility or accountability, only individual.
Let’s not forget He also told them to be a wise as serpents, while being harmless as doves. And He told story after story of being wise stewards and of being held accountable for what we do with the things we are given. Paul writes in 1Timothy 5:8 that he who does not take care of his own household is worse than an unbeliever, or an infidel!
Matt. 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
G-d and mammon.
Here is another responsibility, we are to use G-d’s money wisely, Matt. 6:19-21 says. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Has money become your idol, do you lack trusting the Father to provide?
Are you taking good care of what the Father has given you?
It is never too late to change the patterns you have fell into and become good stewards.Or come along side of another and help them make life choices.
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